SAT® Math: How to Take the Test

It’s good to have a plan
in place for the two Math sections of the SAT (calculator and no-calculator).
Like most things in life, it’s wise to be prepared. An I’ll-just-wing-it mentality is a set up for failure. The I’ll-figure-it-out-when-I-get-there game plan is a recipe for disaster.

The good news about your
test is this: If you’ve used good study tools in advance, and if you’re serious about doing your best on
test day, there is nothing to worry about. You’re going to do great on the SAT.

Here are four “best practices” when it comes to taking the Math sections of the SAT:

1. Be aware of the clock and pace yourself accordingly

The first Math section
on the SAT is a 25-minute section and calculators are not allowed. The section
is made up of 20 questions — 15 multiple choice questions and 5 questions where
you will be asked to produce the answer (these are also known as
“grid-ins”).

This means you will have
one minute and fifteen seconds per question in this section.

The second Math section
is a 55-minute section and calculators are allowed. This section is made
up of 38 questions — 30 multiple-choice questions and 8 grid-ins.

This means you will have
one minute and twenty-seven seconds per question in this section.

As you take your test,
keep an eye on the clock. Don’t be paranoid or obsessed with the time, just be
aware of your pacing. Resist the trap of spending too much time on any one
question. If you’re stuck, leave that question and come back to it after
completing the rest of the section.

It’s a good idea to use practice tests and test prep resources in advance of your test. This will help with “clock pressure” because these resources mimic the exam and give you the needed testing experience. Once you get to your SAT testing day, it will seem like a breeze!

2. Find out what is actually being asked

The College Board can be
tricky. This isn’t their first rodeo after all. Their writers will often write
lengthy questions that can appear intimidating, leaving some students to huff,
“I don’t even know what they’re asking me.”

Approximately 25% of the
questions asked will be word problems. This dictates that you know how to
utilize key math terms and translate the problem into an equation you can
solve.

Don’t let a long word
problem throw you off of your game. Take it one step at a time…

Go through the question line by line

Note the pertinent information

Break it down into the appropriate equation
form

Solve the problem

Boom. You nailed it!

3. Double-check your answers

When they’re “on the clock,” many students feel they don’t have time to look over their work and check their answers. False. You do have the time, so for each answer, take a moment to double-check your work, ensuring that you don’t miss a question due to a silly oversight.

The night before your
test, make sure you get a good night’s sleep. The next morning, prepare a
nutritious breakfast and allow for a few minutes to go over any last-minute
practice questions in a relaxed fashion.

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